In the world of graphic novels, stories of adventure and wonder are commonplace, and the best-selling book Lumberjanes is no different.

What sets it apart is that the heroes are five hardcore, adventure-loving, self-sufficient girls who team up to solve the mysteries that come their way.

At this year’s Virginia Children’s Book Festival, where graphic novels and comic books take center stage on “Super Saturday,” Lumberjanes illustrator Brooklyn Allen will treat festivalgoers to an inside look at the art that makes the pages of the book come alive—but that’s not all. A new Lumberjanes will be released at the Virginia Children’s Book Festival.

The new book in the franchise—the start of a four-part series—is called Lumberjanes: Unicorn Power. Picking up where the five heroes left readers after the last book—in the wake of solving a supernatural mystery at Miss Quinzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types—the newest book will take April, Jo, Mal, Molly and Ripley on bigger and more exciting missions.

“Graphic novels are growing as a favorite among young readers and parents who are happy to see their children sit down and get lost in a book,” said Juanita Giles, Virginia Children’s Book Festival director. “Lumberjanes is certainly one of the standouts in the genre—a hilarious, fun and page-turning book that has become a favorite on bookshelves around the country. What’s not to love about camp, magic, adventure, mermaids and a bunch of awesome girls solving mysteries?”

Artist Allen, who has illustrated both books in the franchise, will be available for book signings and a fun Lumberjanes celebration at noon on Saturday, Oct. 21, during “Super Saturday,” at 201 N. Main Street in Farmville, the site of the VCBF bookstore. A full schedule of festival events is available at www.vachildrensbookfestival.com.

“Brooklyn is one of the most compelling graphic novel artists working today—she is able to capture this magical world of supernatural beings, adventure and nature in a way that is extraordinarily compelling to children,” said Ward Tefft, owner of Chop Suey Bookstore in Richmond, the official bookseller of the VCBF. “I can’t keep Lumberjanes on the shelf—not only does it capture the imagination of everyone who reads it but it’s empowering and important for young readers to see that girls can be adventurous and powerful. Brooke’s illustrations capture that attitude and breathe life into the pages. I can’t wait to read this next one.”